IELTS Academic Task 1: How to Answer Bar Graph Essay

IELTS Academic task 1 requires you to write atleast 150 words report about a bar chart.

Describing the bar graph for the IELTS exam is difficult. The language and the answer will vary according to what you see in the graphical representation.

In this article, we will discuss what a Bar graph essay is and how to answer it to get the highest score.

Introduction: Bar Graph Essay

A bar chart uses either horizontal or vertical bars to show the comparisons among two or more categories. One axis of the chart shows the specific categories compared and the other one represents a given value.  The bar graph reveals the change in any specific phenomenon over a given time.

This is one example from Google not one from the IELTS question paper.  The graph explains the total number of telephone calls in the UK divided into 3 categories, from 1995-2002.

Part 1 - Part one is the introduction of the question and provides the relevant information of the question

Part 2- It summarizes the information by helping you count on the main features and make comparisons where relevant.

Part 3- a graphic representation of the question

Bar-graph for IELTS Writing

As it can be easily deciphered from above, a bar graph is just another way of representing data.  In the IELTS Writing Task 1, you can be asked to describe a bar graph. You will need to describe the chart within 150 words. It is recommended to complete the task within 20 minutes.

Structure of Bar Graph Essay

Walking by the right structure of answering the bar graph question improves your chances of scoring well. You should re-read the question and answer in the following manner:

• Introduction
• Body Paragraph 1
• Body Paragraph 2
• Conclusion

Another format you can follow for writing a bar graph essay in IELTS Academic Writing task 1 is:

• Introduction Paragraph
• Overview
• Body Para 1
• Body Para 2

Marking Criteria of the IELTS Writing test

• Task Achievement
• Cohesion and Coherence
• Lexical Resource and Vocabulary
• Grammar range and accuracy

 Ways to plan your IELTS Academics Writing Task 1

1. Analyze the type of question
Analyze the question type, go through the instructions, figures, facts, and information, and frame your introduction.  You can begin your introduction by paraphrasing or writing what your graph shows and from time.  Describe the bar graph through a general overview of about 2-4 key features.

2. Identify the main features
Every bar graph has some main features. Refrain from writing every single detail mentioned. Pick the important trends in the bar graph and discuss them in the paragraphs.   

3. Brainstorm the ideas and the vocabulary
Develop your ideas as to how well you can represent the whole thing within the word limit. Understand the type and the context of the question and use the right vocabulary for ensuring a good score in the IELTS writing section.

Detailed Paragraphs
For writing your answer and expanding it, you can utilize the second point, which is identifying the main features. You can identify and detail the main features of the bar graph to create a well-oriented answer.
 

Common Mistakes to Avoid in IELTS Academic Task 1

1. Incomplete analysis of the data
When you are presented with a bar graph, you have to analyze the complete data and present your view on it.  Skipping certain important detail is one of the primary mistakes you should avoid.

2. Writing explanation for data
Don’t cite any hypothetical reasons for the change of the data. Mention what is there in the question and don’t go overboard with hypothetical analysis.

3. Missing out on writing overview
The overview accounts for the main part of the essay.  Don’t forget to write an overview of the data given to ensure your desired score.

4. Mentioning every detail
As said above, before writing the essay it is important to read the topic twice.  The IELTS requires you to answer specifically and present your opinion on the essay.  Only pick 2-3 important trends in the paragraph else you might go off-topic and exceed the word limit.

5. Exceeding the word limit
Exceeding the word limit is something you should avoid in IELTS Academic task 1. The ideal word limit is 160-180 words.  This word limit is enough to make your point clear and proofread it.

6. Inappropriate/ illogical structure
The structure of the essay is crucial. Therefore, you should plan your writing following the structure as mentioned above.

7. Missing out on planning the writing
Planning helps you have a tab over the whole thing. There exist enough time to plan your introduction, body, and conclusion for the essay in the IELTS Academic task 1.

So, these are some of the common mistakes to avoid while preparing your bar graph essay for the IELTS academic task 1.

If you want to progress in the bar graph essay writing in the IELTS Academic task 1, you need to practice, strategize, and explain your points in a concise and impactful manner. 

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